Kogi State Government Allocates Over N542 Million for Free Examinations for 74,334 Student

The Kogi State Government has allocated over N542 million to cover the external examination fees for 74,334 public school pupils and students in the state. This initiative, which includes the Common Entrance, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was announced by the State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a press briefing in Lokoja. According to Hon. Jones, the breakdown of the beneficiaries includes 25,100 primary school pupils for the Common Entrance, 30,500 students for the BECE, and 18,734 students for the JAMB examinations.
Hon. Jones highlighted that the funding for the exams is a significant move by the state government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Ododo. He emphasized the positive impact of this initiative, noting that the payment of these fees has resulted in an 18% increase in student enrollment rates, helping to address the challenge of out-of-school children in the state. Furthermore, he mentioned that students’ performance in national examinations had improved by 12%, a clear indication of the positive effects of the government’s support in the education sector.
Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to the growth of education in Kogi State has been demonstrated through various efforts, including a comprehensive school revalidation program. Over 200 schools across the state have been renovated, equipped with modern facilities, and staffed with qualified teachers. Additionally, the government has paid bursaries and scholarships to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, further solidifying its focus on education as a priority.
The Commissioner also warned that any school administrators or teachers found collecting money from students for these government-sponsored exams would face sanctions. He reassured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent any abuse of the system. The government is also covering the cost of passport photographs for students as part of its comprehensive support for the educational advancement of its citizens.